Tag: diy

Real Estate, Style

Glam Up Your Powder Room

Lora Knows...

A powder room or a half bathroom may be frequented by your guests, so it’s an ideal place to add glamour to your home. Because a powder room can be relatively tiny, you can decorate it inexpensively, making it the perfect spot to experiment with finishes and colors you might be hesitant to use in a larger room. Use these tips to add luxury and style to this space.

Add Decorative Elements
Use crisp, white wainscoting to make the walls more interesting and white crown molding to draw eyes upward and make the small room feel bigger.

Paint the Walls
It can be easier to experiment with color in a powder room since it’s a contained space, so you could try painting your walls a hue you might not otherwise use in your home. Black-and-white color schemes in half baths are trending, as are emerald green, navy blue, dark gray, and purple. An alternative to painting your walls in a deeply pigmented color is to leave them white and add a vibrant color to your wainscoting instead. Consider using glossy paint on your wainscoting to make it easier to clean.

Embellish It
A few rolls of wallpaper might be all you need to upgrade your powder room from basic to fantastic. To simplify the decorating process, you could dress your walls with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Such adhesive-backed wallpaper is easy to hang and remove if you tire of it, and is best for half baths since tubs or showers can produce adhesive-loosening steam.

Shine Some Light
Illuminate your room and add bling to it by bringing in a gorgeous ceiling-light fixture, such as a mini crystal chandelier, a beaded farmhouse-style chandelier, or an industrial flush-mount glass fixture. You could also add a wall-mounted light source, such as this white-globe sconce, on either side of your vanity for an industrial look or this three-light brass fixture over the vanity.

Tile It
Tiling can be a fun and inexpensive way to add style, color, and durability to your powder room. Ceramic tile is a popular choice for both walls and floors, while peel-and-stick faux tile can make it easy for homeowners to get the look they want without advanced do-it-yourself skills.

Update the Vanity
You could swap out your vanity for a new one or paint your existing vanity with primer and then a low-VOC acrylic enamel paint to give it a new look.

Hang a Mirror
A mirror is essential for any powder room because it’s necessary for grooming, can reflect light, and can make a space look and feel bigger. You could choose a round mirror framed in black for simplicity, a scalloped mirror with beveled edges for elegance, or an oval mirror for a classic look. As a general rule, choose a mirror with a width that’s at least one to two inches less than your vanity. Center the mirror over your sink, and place it at a height that complements the space and allows most people who will be using it to see their own reflection.

Accessorize
Once you have all the main elements of your powder room in place, you can add decor that complements its design.

Real Estate, Style

A Guide to Shopping Second Hand

Lora Knows...

One of the joys of moving into a new home, whether it’s a condo, house, or apartment, is getting to furnish and design your living spaces. You have a blank canvas that you can decorate any way you want. However, this can often come at a high expense. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and sustainable way to find pieces for your home, try looking for used items instead of buying new. It may take a little longer to find the perfect pieces, but if you use these tips, shopping secondhand will be a breeze.

Have an Idea of What You Need

Unsurprisingly, shopping for secondhand items can quickly become overwhelming due to how many options are out there. Between thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and antique malls, there are often a lot of items to sort through and choose between. Before you start shopping, you should take inventory of what items you need for your home so you have a general idea of what you’re looking for. For online shopping, begin with specific search terms like “couch,” “dresser,” “rug,” or “coffee table.” This will narrow the field and help you better assess what’s available to purchase in your area. For thrift stores and antique malls, you can stick to the home goods sections, if the store is divided into categories, or simply walk the aisles with specific items in mind.

Thoroughly Review the Item

When shopping for used goods online, you should try to get as many details as you can before purchasing an item. After all, it’s hard to know the true condition of a couch or if a table would fit in your dining room through only a few pictures. Don’t hesitate to ask for more information on the item beyond the listing description, including extra pictures to get a better idea of the object’s details, such as color or fabric. If you plan on shopping in person, be sure to measure the space you’re trying to fill and then take the tape measure with you to the store. This way you’ll be able to check the dimensions of any item to make sure it’ll fit.

You’ll also want to closely check items for any damage. While it’s common for used goods to have some wear and tear from everyday use, things like a loose drawer, a broken seat back, or a torn rug corner can cause more problems than they’re often worth. When you have the option, you should look at an item in person before you buy it. This will give you the chance to ensure not only that it is the right color, size, and look that you’re after but also that it’s in a condition that works for you. That said, there are also a lot of ways to upcycle old items to give them new life; you can always re-cover seat cushions or add a fresh coat of paint to a table or dresser, for example. So if you like the bare bones of an item, get creative and make it into a perfect piece for your home.

Verify the Price Before You Purchase

While shopping secondhand is more environmentally friendly, part of the appeal comes from getting good deals on things you need; you don’t want to wind up paying more for the secondhand item than you would if you bought it new. Before you say yes to an item, do a little online searching to be sure that it’s priced fairly based on its current condition. For instance, if you’re searching for antiques, you can look up the makers and see what kind of materials they used and how well they tend to hold up. For more modern pieces, you can search for the exact item online, read reviews from other customers, and check the current selling price.

Take Your Time

While it may be tempting to quickly fill your rooms with items that simply get the job done, it’s important that you prioritize quality when shopping secondhand. Finding the perfect used goods can take some time, but it’s worth waiting for the right thing to appear instead of buying something “good enough” just because it’s there. Your patience will definitely be rewarded in the end.

Real Estate, Style

Renovating – Have a Plan

Lora Knows...

Home renovations can be complex and challenging. Proper preparation is crucial for a successful project. Here are three key steps you should take during the preparation process to increase the likelihood of a successful home renovation:

  1. Define Your Goals and Budget:
  • Start by clearly defining your renovation goals. What do you want to achieve with this project? Whether it’s adding space, modernizing a room, or improving energy efficiency, having a clear vision is essential.
  • Determine your budget. Establish a realistic budget that takes into account all costs, including materials, labor, permits, and contingencies for unexpected expenses. It’s essential to have a financial plan in place to avoid overspending.
  1. Plan and Design Carefully:
  • Work with a professional architect or designer to create detailed plans for your renovation. They can help you make the most of your space, choose materials, and create a timeline for the project.
  • Obtain any necessary permits. Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need permits from your local government. Ensure you have all the required paperwork in order before you begin construction to avoid potential delays and fines.
  • Create a project timeline. Develop a realistic schedule that outlines the order of tasks, from demolition to finishing touches. This will help you and your contractors stay on track.
  1. Choose Reliable Contractors and Suppliers:
  • Research and hire experienced, licensed contractors. Get recommendations, check references, and request multiple quotes. A trustworthy contractor is essential for the success of your renovation.
  • Select high-quality materials and products. The materials you choose will impact the durability and aesthetics of your project. Invest in reliable, long-lasting products that align with your budget.
  • Communicate effectively with your contractors. Maintain open and clear communication throughout the project. Discuss any changes or concerns promptly to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

In addition to these three key steps, it’s important to be flexible and expect the unexpected during the renovation process. Delays, unforeseen issues, and design changes can occur. Having a contingency plan and some extra funds set aside for such situations is advisable.

Overall, a well-thought-out plan and careful preparation are key to a successful home renovation. When you take the time to define your goals, create detailed plans, and work with reliable professionals, you increase the chances of achieving the results you desire while staying within your budget and timeline.